Lock Cylinder Arrangement with Intermediary Security Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock cylinder arrangements face security issues due to accessible mounting screws on reversible cylinders, complex and space-consuming drilling protection, and attractive decorative components that are prone to theft.
Innovation Solution
A lock cylinder arrangement with a cylinder housing and core that includes a radially inwardly projecting snap hook and locking tab for secure mounting, requiring detachment from the lock casing for removal, and featuring drill protection members and screw protection mechanisms to enhance security and prevent unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mounting screws are made accessible for easy installation of reversible cylinders, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates as thieves can easily remove the cylinder
Solution Approach 1:
A retaining ring is introduced as an intermediary component between the mounting screw and the cylinder. The retaining ring can only be removed when the cylinder core is in the unlocked position, mediating between the need for secure mounting and the requirement for key-controlled accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism prevents removal of the retaining ring and mounting screw by applying counter-action through the locked core position. The screw head is prevented from being unscrewed unless the correct key is used to unlock the core first
2Adaptability or versatility
If decorative cylinder rings and caps are added to enhance appearance, then adaptability is improved, but security deteriorates as these components become attractive theft targets
Solution Approach 1:
The cylinder ring and cap are merged into a unified assembly with the cylinder body through the retaining ring mechanism. All components share the same security dependency - they can only be removed together when the core is unlocked, preventing separate theft of decorative elements
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining ring serves as an intermediary security mechanism that couples the decorative components to the cylinder body. It mediates between aesthetic customization needs and security requirements by enabling unified removal only under authorized conditions
3Reliability
If drilling protection members are added to prevent drill attacks, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining ring is designed to serve multiple functions: it secures both the mounting screw and the decorative cylinder ring/cap assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protection mechanisms, lowering overall device complexity while maintaining reliability
Data Source
AI summary
A lock cylinder arrangement for fixation to a lock casing and for control of a lock mechanism arranged in the lock casing. The arrangement comprises a cylinder housing (2c) having a first axial end (2a) arranged to be positioned distal to the lock casing and a second axial end (2b) being opposite to the first axial end and arranged to be positioned proximal to the lock casing. A cylinder core (2d) is rotatably accommodated in the cylinder housing. A cylinder ring (21) is mountable coaxially around the cylinder housing. A cylinder cap (22) is mountable coaxially around the cylinder housing, radially inside of the cylinder ring. The cylinder ring comprises a radially inwardly projecting stop (21c), which, in cooperation with a locking ring (23) received in a locking grove (24) arranged in the envelope surface of the cylinder housing, limits axial displacement of the cylinder ring towards the first axial end of the cylinder housing. The cylinder housing and the cylinder cap are provided with interacting locking means (22a, 22b, 22c, 201, 202) which are arranged to limit axial displacement of the cylinder cap toward the first axial end of the cylinder housing, when the cylinder ring surrounds said locking means.